Q&A for How to Dye African American Hair

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  • Question
    Can you dye black hair without bleaching it?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    If your hair is naturally black, not dyed black, you should be able to achieve a medium brown without bleach. However, you cannot black hair to blonde or vibrant red without bleach.
  • Question
    Is there a way to dye your hair blonde without bleaching it?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    If you have virgin hair and your natural color is a light brown or dark blonde you may be able to achieve blonde with color, peroxide, or natural lighteners like lemon juice. These methods will take multiple applications.
  • Question
    Can you dye black hair blonde?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    You can get black hair to blonde in most cases, but you will have to bleach it, not dye it. If it has been previously dyed you may not be able to achieve a bright blonde.
  • Question
    Do you have to bleach your hair when you dye it?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    If your hair has been previously colored and you want to achieve a lighter color than your current shade, you will need to bleach the hair or use a color remover. If you are going darker or have virgin hair, you will probably not need to use bleach.
  • Question
    How many times per week should you wash your hair?
    Courtney Foster
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Courtney Foster is a Licensed Cosmetologist, Certified Hair Loss Practitioner, and Cosmetology Educator based out of New York City. Courtney runs Courtney Foster Beauty, LLC and her work has been featured on The Wendy Williams Show, Good Morning America, The Today Show, The Late Show with David Letterman, and in East/West Magazine. She received her Cosmetology License from the State of New York after training at the Empire Beauty School - Manhattan.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    It depends on your hair type. If you have really oily hair, you can wash it every day or every other day. If you have normal hair, you can wash it as little as once a week, or more if you'd like. For African-American hair, you might only need to wash it once every week or two.
  • Question
    I used coffee and wine on my hair, but my hair is still black. I'm planning on dyeing it purple today. That's one day interval, is that OK? Also, do I need to bleach before using purple?
    Ashley Adams
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    If you want your hair to be a lighter shade, you'll likely need to lighten it before you try to dye it. Otherwise, the purple will barely show on very dark hair.
  • Question
    Am I supposed to wash my hair before dyeing it?
    Community Answer
    The natural oils on your scalp act as a buffer between your skin and the chemicals you're applying, so it's best not to shampoo for 24 hours before coloring. If you're going to a salon, make sure your last wash before the appointment isn't with a color-depositing shampoo or conditioner.
  • Question
    What kind of bleach should I use so that the black hair doesn't turn orange?
    Crazymind
    Community Answer
    If you don’t want your hair to turn orange, you can bleach it with an at least 20vol or more cream developer to get it blonde (depending on how black your hair is). or you can bleach it with a lower one (at least 10) and then use a bluebaded dye to get the orange-ish tone out (like an ash blonde box dye).
  • Question
    My hair is really long and really thick. What are some ways I can color it at home?
    Community Answer
    For long and thick hair, you will probably need to buy two or three boxes of hair color. Then, divide it into four sections and apply the color to one section at a time.
  • Question
    Should you wash your hair first?
    Community Answer
    Your hair should be slightly dirty when you apply the color. The color hold better to slightly dirty hair. So, shampoo your hair two or three days before you plan to dye your hair, but not the day of or night before.
  • Question
    Should I straighten my hair if I'm a boy?
    Community Answer
    You certainly can if you want to. Just be sure to have someone experienced nearby to help you. Straighteners can make your hair fall out off if you're not careful!
  • Question
    I had my natural hair dyed about 1 month ago with a demi permanent. Then this past weekend I used a permanent no ammonia. I still have not achieved the color I want. How long should I wait before coloring again?
    Community Answer
    I would wait at least a month, but you might also want to drop in to a salon and ask for a professional opinion. A stylist may also be able to help you with tips on getting the right color, or they could even do it for you.
  • Question
    Will dyeing my hair damage it if I am making it darker?
    Robinson
    Community Answer
    It won't damage your hair too badly, unless you dye your hair a lot.
  • Question
    Is it okay to have my hair straightened beforehand?
    I like sushi
    Top Answerer
    Yes; however, you need to be aware that using a flat iron can cause heat damage to your hair, so make sure to use protective products to prevent unnecessary damage.
  • Question
    Can I dye my hair blue, green, or purple without it getting damaged?
    Community Answer
    Not really. The best kind of hair dye is the natural stuff, but it doesn't show up in dark hair. For a vibrant color you would have to lighten it.
  • Question
    Do I bleach my hair first?
    Monid Zaga
    Community Answer
    It depends on which color you choose.
  • Question
    Can I still dye my hair if I wash it first?
    Community Answer
    You could, but the color may not take as well. It's best to wait a few days without washing to get the best results.
  • Question
    Will my hair color stay in my hair if I get it wet at a waterpark?
    Community Answer
    It will run and fade. Chlorine will destroy colored hair, bleached or dyed. The dyes remove some of the nutrients the hair needs to stay healthy, so you will get out of the pool with severely damaged hair.
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